Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican

Pope Francis reportedly confirmed the existence of a “gay lobby” within the Roman Curia, in a candid conversation with visiting religious from Latin America.

During a meeting with representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious (CLAR), the Pope spoke frankly about the need for reform in the Church and particularly in the Vatican bureaucracy. A report on the Pope’s remarks, furnished by one of the CLAR representatives who spoke with the Pontiff, has appeared on a Chilean web site, Reflexion y Liberacion.

The Pope’s remarks, according to the CLAR correspondent, included an admission that “there is also a current of corruption” within the Roman Curia. “There is talk about a ‘gay lobby,’ and it’s true, that exists,” the Pope continued.

Pope Francis said that before the conclave that elected him, many cardinals—including himself—had pushed for reforms at the Vatican. But he said that he could not accomplish all the necessary reforms by himself. “I am very disorganized,” he confessed. He said that he would rely on his cardinal-advisers for help, and asked for prayers that he would make the right decisions.

The Vatican did not make public any account of the Pope’s conversation with the CLAR group. Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, said that because the meeting was private, it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the accuracy of the CLAR report. The quotations attributed to the Pope on the Reflexion y Liberacion site are evidently taken from the memory of one of the religious involved in the conversation.

During his conversation with the CLAR representatives, the Pope reportedly said that he was troubled by two different currents within the Church: a Pelagian tendency, which he saw in some traditionalist groups, and Gnostic or pantheist trends that he had seen in some women’s religious communities. He also expressed concern that some religious orders have been unable to attract new vocations—perhaps suggesting that “the Holy Spirit does not want them to keep going.”

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Ten years ago Michael Rose wrote "Good-bye Good Men..." and what significant change has happened since then? It has taken more than a decade for it to be announced that there is homosexual influence in the Vatican!? And we laity have been knowledgable for years? Why can't they see what's before their faces? The older I get the more I understand why men did what Francis (the Saint) and Anthony (whose Feast Day it is) did. But it shouldn't have to be. JP

Posted by: Frodo1945 -
Jun. 11, 2013 8:31 PM ET USA

The reform of the Curia has more to do with the people than the structure. Pope Francis must move out the corrupt and move in the holy.

Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Jun. 11, 2013 6:31 PM ET USA

I agree the Holy Father is on track, but he must move quickly or lose control. The gay lobby will eat his lunch.

Posted by: ramonantonio3455448 -
Jun. 11, 2013 5:28 PM ET USA

The recent remarks from Vatican officials regarding the need to "revise and check" what the Pope really means when he talks because of a supposed limitation in his fluidity of Italian language carried the clear trademark of "curia control" of all sorts included. The adamant control mania of some is a clear sign of manipulation and micromanagement of the Papacy.
I'm extremely worried for the Pope and hope that he can take control fast. If not I'm worried of another Ex Pope in the making.

Posted by: rjdobie9424 -
Jun. 11, 2013 3:18 PM ET USA

I think this is a very good sign, that the pope himself recognizes the problem. I am liking Pope Francis more and more very day!

Posted by: Defender -
Jun. 11, 2013 2:42 PM ET USA

Just as diocesan networks exist, seminaries haven't done their jobs. What is very troubling is the percentage of gay priests that exist, which would indicate the degree of "control" they exercise. Given yesterday's headlines concerning a number of high ranking prelates urging legal protection for same-sex unions, it is becoming entirely too depressing fighting the gay nonsense, now from two directions in direct contradiction to the Magisterium.